RK Sport GT/R Code Ram-Air Hood - 5.0 Tech Inspection

RK Sport's Hood Wraps Up TOYO's Giveaway Mustang

KJ JonesSenior Technical Editor

October 1, 2005

Several Primedia enthusiasts' magazines recently played major roles in a two-month-long metamorphosis of the '05 Mustang GT shown here. Modifications included: Wheel, tire, and suspension upgrades, installing a cold-air kit and free-flowing exhaust, and laying down a radical graphics package, transforming the car from as stock as a rock, to a street-legal twin of drifting ace Ken Gushi's race ride. The 'Stang will be given away as part of a Toyo Tires promotion for its new T1R Proxes high-performance radial tire, at the end of this year. For more information, log on to www.toyosweeps.com.

5.0 Mustang & Super Fords' task for the project-internally referred to as "The Toyo Mustang Makeover Marathon"-was to check out the final fitting and installation of RK Sport's new "GT/R Code" hood (PN 18011000; $695.95)-a hand-laid, fiberglass cover that closely resembles a '67 Mustang's hood, and enhances the neo-classic styling of the '05 car-and fill you in on what we saw and learned. This new hood, RK Sport's first venture in the Mustang aftermarket, features a slick, carbon-fiber, ram-air scoop inlet that routes fresh, cool air directly into the factory airbox. The company was better known for the fiberglass body pieces it produced for several popular Brand-X vehicles, prior to establishing its current association with Toyo Tires.

There is no question-the GT/R Code hood makes a dramatic improvement to the overall appearance of the new Mustang's front end. From the driver seat, the subtle bump created by the ram-air scoop is less noticeable than a 211/42-inch cowl is, from behind the wheel of a Fox. And, apparently, there's still more to come. Company owner Bob Smith told us his designers and fabricators are already working on a second hood style for the '05, and that RK Sport plans to introduce a complete line of appearance components (front and rear fascias, side skirts, and quarter panel window scoops) for S197 coupes and convertibles, later this year. With '05 mania spreading like wildfire throughout the Mustang world, this hood and other offerings from RK Sport will definitely provide great styling alternatives for those who want to take their new car's look to the next level.